Francisco Bonilla

FRANCISCO BONILLA VILLALBA (Fernán Núñez, Córdoba, 1920 - Madrid, 1978).
"Manolete".
Patinated bronze.
Wooden base.
Signed.
Measurements: 48 x 71,5 x 37,5 cm.
Francisco Bonilla began working with clay and metal in his hometown, and after finishing high school in 1937, he entered the School of Arts and Crafts in Cordoba. From there he moved to Seville to study at the Academy of Santa Isabel de Hungría. Finally, he completed his training in Madrid, at the Academy of San Fernando, where he specialized in sculpture. His continuous health problems affected his professional development, preventing him from undertaking large-scale works, so he devoted himself to the realization of small bronze pieces. His favorite theme was the animalistic, in which he became one of the most qualified interpreters of our country. He masterfully portrayed the world of bullfighting and wild animals of the Andalusian mountains, he also made female nudes and religious imagery of great quality, many of them commissioned by his hometown.